Galway United 3
Limerick FC 2
ENDA CURRAN’S double and a late Gary Shanahan effort ended Galway United’s four-game losing streak and pulled them clear of Limerick at the bottom of the Premier Division table in a tense clash at Eamonn Deacy Park.
In the opening half Galway enjoyed the bulk of possession and on 24 minutes, had a penalty, when Jake Keegan was hauled down in the box by Jason Hughes and Enda Curran stood up to lash home from 12 yards to give the hosts a deserved lead.
A slick Galway move as the break drew closer deserved a goal when at least five United players got involved, and Gary Shanahan crossed for Cunningham, only for his header to sail inches wide.
With 38 minutes gone, Martin Russell’s side drew level on the counter, as Dean Clarke broke free on the right flank and his low cross was turned into his own net by Galway defender Kevin Garcia.
After the restart the hosts continued to press, as Cunningham and Ryan Connolly both went close, with Ian Turner and Sean Russell both testing Ger Hanley at the other end, despite the bulk of Limerick’s players staying behind the ball.
Just as it looked as if the game was heading for a draw, Curran bagged his second, when he produced neat control following a Connolly corner, and he fired through the gap in the Limerick defence for a crucial goal.
Shanahan made it 3-1 late on, before Vinny Faherty headed in a late consolation against his old club.
GALWAY UNITED: Ger Hanley; Colm Horgan, Stephen Walsh, Kevin Garcia, Marc Ludden; Gary Shanahan, David O’Leary, Padraic Cunningham (Alex Byrne, 90), Ryan Connolly; Enda Curran, Jake Keegan.
LIMERICK: Conor O’Donnell; Sean Harding, Aidan Price, Tony Whitehead, Robbie Williams; Shane Tracey (Shane Duggan, 67), Jason Hughes (Vinny Faherty, 46), Paul O’Connor, Sean Russell, Ian Turner; Dean Clarke.
Man of the match: Enda Curran – Showed great composure to slot home from the spot and fire his second goal when it looked like it wasn’t to be their night.
Referee: Ray Matthews (Dublin)